We sat down with the busy mum-of-two to chat confidence, chocolate biscuits and finding her feet again after having a family.

What keeps you feeling positive?

'For me, it's all about surrounding myself with really good people, people that are positive and bring out the best in you – I think that's really important in life.

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'And, of course, it's about looking after myself, but also enjoying myself too! I do like to have fun and I never take things too seriously: it's about having a really good balance in life. You need to make sure you don't spread yourself too thinly!'

Do you have a quick-fix confidence trick?

'I love bit of bronzer, especially right now, because I have quite a dark complexion that can look a bit sallow and "bleurgh" in winter. I feel like it helps my eyes look brighter and makes my skin look more flushed for a really natural glow. I always go for my Wild About Beauty bronzer – I even called it 'Lou' because I love it that much!'

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How do you maintain balance as a busy mum?

'Diet-wise, I don't really deny myself anything but I also don't go over the top! Mornings are always a mad rush in our house; and I'm usually making sure the kids have had their breakfast rather than thinking about myself, but I tend to have porridge or scrambled eggs on sourdough to start the day.

'Then, for lunch, I'll try and have a salad or make something healthy but sometimes it's just a quick sandwich on the go. And then for dinner it's very much dependent on what I'm up to – I love going out for dinner but then I'll always try and order something simple like seabass and vegetables.'

And, if you're going to indulge, what's your go-to treat?

'Tea and biscuits! If I have a cup of tea and someone puts biscuits out, I just have to dunk! When we were on the Strictly tour, they'd always leave chocolate biscuits out for us and, no matter how full I was, I couldn't say no! We're talking proper, old school chocolate McVities digestives here.'

What about your workout routine?

'Pilates and yoga are great for core strength and finding some me time: I do it in the morning and it helps me take on the day. And, even in winter, I love wrapping up warm and going out with the dogs, especially for a long walk on Bournemouth beach – if you get a pace on, you hardly notice it's freezing.

'And then there's dancing now! Me and Daisy Lowe are actually heading to a street dance class together this week. You get friendly with everybody on Strictly, but there are certain people you really connect with, and she and I have struck up a real friendship: she's one special lady, I have to say – a real sweetheart!'

Were you nervous going into Strictly?

'I was so nervous, I can't tell you! I was worried about everything: the clothes, what I was going to do, what people were going to think, what they'd say. Even a few weeks in, I was still a bit tentative, although everyone was encouraging me: Kevin (Clifton, her Strictly dance partner), my husband Jamie, my mum...

'But it was actually a girlfriend who really helped me deal with my nerves. We were chatting on the phone and she said to me, "What's happened to you? Where's the girl I knew at school? She was fearless." And I just thought, that's it, I've got to be fearless; I've got to go out there and give it everything. I thought, "I'm old enough and big enough to pull this out the bag; come on girl!"'

Did Strictly give you a confidence boost?

'As the process went on, I really gained confidence. I know everyone always says this, but it's been such a positive experience for me. I feel more confident than I did a year ago and it's definitely down to Strictly, just feeling better about myself – now I've just got to maintain it, and I think most women would tell you that's the hardest thing!'

Did Jamie's support help you through it?

'Yeah, absolutely; his support was such a big help. He was as proud as punch, and I think he was just happy to see me doing something that I loved!

'When he met me I was a pop star, so he knows exactly what performing means to me, and how important it was for me to be out there doing something I loved. For him, it was just good to see me out there loving it!'

GettyDavid M. Benett / Contributor

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Did taking time out to raise your family affect your confidence?

'I think it's tough for women sometimes because, when you have a family, it's really easy to lose your confidence and self-esteem – almost because you give so much of yourself to everybody else.

'Some mums definitely can lose confidence. I mean, it's the hardest job in the world being a mum, right? It takes up 24 hours of your day a lot of the time, so we can miss out a little bit on spending time on ourselves.

'I went from being mega out there and doing loads to having a family, with my husband's profile being very high and me being very much in the background. So I'd really forgotten what it felt like to do something that feels good for you – it had been a good few years!

'Sometimes, it's a bit scary when you've been at home for such a long time! Since Strictly, I've had so many women come up to me in the street and say you've really inspired me to get back to work or go out and do something I love after having a family.'

Will you keep dancing now?

'Well, we've only just finished the Strictly tour, but I'm definitely going to carry on. I think it's really good for my soul actually; I just really enjoy dancing and don't want to stop!

'When you've spent six months learning something it would seem really pointless to just stop all of a sudden, so I'm going to keep going with Latin and Ballroom – I just need to persuade Kev to keep teaching me!'

GettyDave J Hogan / Contributor

Are you and Kevin still close?

'Yeah, we speak all the time! When you go through an experience like Strictly, that person becomes a good mate, and we really struck up a great friendship. He sort of became part of the family!'

So does that mean Jamie might start dancing too?

'The day I get Jamie into a dance class is the day I'll eat my hat! That is not going to happen! No chance! The kids both love dancing though; my younger son in particular.

'But they also love their football, which is currently winning. I do attempt football with them sometimes, but I wouldn't exactly say I'm the strongest footballer in the family!'

What's next then? Could a West End show be on the cards..?

'That is the hope! That's what I'd really love to do, given the chance. I'd love to go a little bit more back to my roots: I went to stage school, and the West End was something I was desperate to do growing up. So, yea, if the right part comes along, then I'll definitely be snapping it up!'

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